Citation

Finch NJ, Leman RB, Kratz JM, Gillette PC. J. Am. Med. Assoc. JAMA 1993; 270(13): 1587-1588.

Affiliation

Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-2221.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, American Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8371470

Abstract

OBJECTIVE--To determine the driving behavior of patients following the placement of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (AICDs). SUBJECTS AND DESIGN--Forty patients with AICDs (33 men, seven women; mean age, 62.7 years) responded to a questionnaire designed to ascertain driving behavior after hospital discharge. RESULTS--Despite medical advice never to drive again, 28 patients (70%) resumed driving, with the majority doing so by 8 months after AICD implantation. Of these, 11 (40%) identified themselves as the primary driver in their household. Fourteen (50%) drove daily. Two (7%) were driving and continued to drive during discharge of their AICDs. Twenty-five (91%) reported that they felt comfortable and safe while driving. CONCLUSION--A majority of patients with AICDs continue to drive after a proscription of this activity by health care workers.

Language: en